Treasures of Jordan

Travel north of Amman to the Roman city of Jerash, one of the biggest and best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Explore its colonnaded streets, amphitheatres, temples, and plazas before a visit to the ruins of Ajloun Castle. Originally built by the Ayyubid’s in the late 12th century to defend against crusading Christian armies, it has since been destroyed and rebuilt many times due to its strategic location atop Mount ‘Auf. Don’t miss the magnificent views of the Jordan Valley. In the afternoon we return to Amman for the night. 

Today ticks-off the highlights of Amman including Hashemite Square and the Roman theatre, before visiting Rainbow Street - the heart of Amman's art scene. In the evening, there’s a taste of traditional Jordanian cuisine courtesy of a street food tour as we head downtown. Visit one of the oldest restaurants in the country for its famous falafel and hummus before enjoying a sweet treat for dessert with kunafa (cheese pastry soaked in sugary syrup).

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent and Descent: minimal 

After leaving Amman we walk through Wadi Bin Hammad, a narrow river gorge home to rare plant life and hot springs. Continue south to Feynan where we’ll spend the night in the heart of Dana Biosphere Reserve. 

Please note, you will be walking over rocks and pebbles in places, and sometimes wading through water. Walking poles are recommended. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) 

Ascent and Descent: 250 feet (70m) and 3,080 feet (940m)  

This morning’s walk takes us downhill from the terraced gardens of Dana village with its old Ottoman houses to the Great Rift Valley at Feynan. Along the way we’ll pass through sandstone gorges and four distinctly different geological zones of Dana Biosphere Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife such as the Nubian ibex, caracal wild cat, and lesser kestrel. Late afternoon we drive to Petra for a three-night stay. 

Spend an unforgettable two days exploring the pathways of Petra on foot. Discover rock-hewn churches, grand buildings, and ceremonial sites scattered around this huge ancient city. Staggering in scale and splendour, what was once the prosperous capital of the Nabataeans is now a wow-worthy tourist attraction welcoming over 1.1 million visitors every year. The walk through the narrow canyon entrance known as the Siq leads to the intricate yet massive façade of the Treasury – one of the most iconic images of Petra.  

Day 6 - Distance: approx. 6 miles (9.5km) 

Day 7 - Distance: approx. 7 miles (12km), plus an optional ascent/descent 1,080 feet (330m) up 800 steps. 

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 1,150 feet (350m) 

Today we follow the Madras trail to the Royal Tombs and walk Wadi Farasa to Petra’s basin. Reach the Place of Higher Sacrifice and there are awe-inspiring views across the whole of the Petra area. An afternoon drive through the southern desert takes us into the magnificent canyon of Wadi Rum. Arrive at a Bedouin camp for a two-night stay including a traditional feast under the desert’s star-studded skies. 

NB: This walk involves ascent and descent on rock-cut steps and paths are rocky in places. Approx. walking time 4 hours. 

The following day there’s a morning desert walk (approximately 1.5 hours each way) to a viewpoint on one of the many sandstone outcrops. In the afternoon, experience a 4x4 tour over the sand dunes for the chance to marvel at some incredible natural sights. 

Leaving the desert behind, we drive back north and visit the church of St George in Madaba, home to a stunning Byzantine mosaic floor. Continue to the famous Dead Sea for a night’s stay on its shores and a chance to float in the salty waters. 

Transfer to Amman for return flight to London.